H & S Propeller Shop, Inc .
FAA Certified Repair Station # MQ5R050N
info@hspropeller.com
 

CLEANING.
 Proper cleaning of the propeller is critical to maintaining its continued airworthiness. Care should be taken in cleaning all propeller surfaces to prevent damaging the surface being cleaned. Many propeller surfaces have finish requirements that can be damaged by harsh brushing, cleaning agents, and handling. Other surfaces have special finish textures such as shot or glass bead peening that can be harmed by abrasion or polishing with steel wool or other abrasive materials. In addition, special corrosion protection finishes such as lacquer, paint, or anodizing can be inadvertently removed during cleaning. Use of high-pressure washers is not recommended to clean propellers because the high pressure may drive water under seals and into the hub and other cavities in the propeller. Once the water enters the propeller, it can establish a corrosive internal environment.  The approved  degreasers are Stoddard  solvent, or  equivalent.

NOTE: If any oil or grease is evident on the propeller, the source of the leak should be determined before cleaning since the oil or grease may be leaking from a crack, seal, or lubrication fitting.

 
 

Tachometer Calibration

Due to the exceptionally high stresses that may be generated by particular propeller/engine combinations at certain engine RPM, many propeller and aircraft manufacturers have established areas of RPM restrictions and other restrictions on maximum RPM for some models. Since there is no post-manufacture accuracy requirements for engine tachometers, tach inaccuracy could lead to propeller failure, excessive vibration, or unscheduled maintenance. H&S Propeller strongly recommends having your tachometer calibrated or overhauled in conjunction with your engine overhaul time. We have experienced many problems due to inaccurate tachometers.

 If your aircraft is high performance or turbo-charged this is especially true, as your engine performance data needs to be accurate.

There are many inexpensive battery operated tachometer “checkers”, which are pointed at running propeller, and tachometer indications can be compared to test equipment reading. This is the quickest method for verifying tachometer indications.